Abstract: Increasing the rate of deposition of the molten metal droplets formed on the end of a wire electrode used in a gas-metal-arc welding process by advancing the electrode towards the weld deposit pool during the formation of a molten metal droplet on the end of the electrode, and applying a normal level of current to the electrode. The electrical level is momentarily substantially increased at a time when the individual droplet is almost ready to melt off the end of the electrode for free-flight transfer to the weld deposit pool. The momentarily applied increased current melts off the electrode drop prematurely so that the drop is propelled to the pool. Therefore, although smaller drops are produced than in the normal shielded gas, plasma-type, are welding process, the rate of drop formation and the more rapid separation of the drops and positive propulsion of the drops to the pool, results in substantially increased molten metal deposition in the weld pool.

Abstract: A gas-metal-arc welding process, utilizing a four-gas mixture and relatively high voltage, produces a high rate of weld metal deposition. The process involves continuously advancing the end of a meltable, thin wire electrode towards a weld metal deposit surface, while maintaining a predetermined length arc gap therebetween. A flow of shielding gas, which is formed of major proportions of argon and helium and minor proportions of carbon dioxide and oxygen, coaxially surrounds and flows along the electrode end portion and arc gap towards the deposit surface. A relatively high electrical voltage and current density are applied to the electrode. A roughly conically-shaped, hot plasma field is formed within the arc gap between the electrode end and the metal deposit surface.

Abstract: A gas-metal-arc welding process, utilizing a consumable, axially advanced, wire electrode and a four-gas shielding mixture, forms a weld bead along a vertically downwardly direction. As the bead is formed, the electrode is moved vertically downwardly in alignment with the central axis of the bead, with the tip of the electrode gapped from the weld material deposit which forms the bead. A relatively high electrical voltage and current density is applied to the electrode to produce a stable, conically-shaped hot plasma field. The field is concentric with the axis of the electrode and extends across the gap. The plasma field is positioned to transversely overlay, and to be substantially coextensive with, the full width of the bead. Molten metal globules transfer by free flight along the axis of the field, from the electrode tip across the gap to the weld deposit to laterally spread out and adhere to the deposit to form the bead.

Abstract: In a gas-metal-arc welding process, a stable plasma formation is produced by a shielding gas mixture whose flow is focused to steadily maintain the plasma formation in central alignment with the arc. Thus, the plasma energy and arc energy are combined and concentrated to yield a higher, more stable welding heat. The process is of the type that utilizes a welding gun having a consumable wire electrode that is continuously advanced towards the weld deposit as its end melts and is transferred to the weld deposit. The gas is a mixture of major proportions of each of argon and helium and minor proportions of each of carbon dioxide and oxygen, which produces a stable, approximately dome-like plasma formation in the arc gap between the electrode melting end and the weld deposit.

Abstract: A welding wire gun operable in the high temperature environment of a high current density welding system. The welding gun includes a tubular member through which welding wire and shielding gas are adapted to pass. A gas diffuser member is mounted upon one end of the tubular member and, in turn, supports a welding tip therein such that the end of the welding tip projects beyond the diffuser in the direction of the joint to be welded. Additionally, the welding gun is constructed to provide for flowing of a coolant material around the tubular member proximate the diffuser member for maintaining the welding tip below its melting or distortion temperature. A tubular nozzle member is supported at one end from the diffuser member and extends beyond both the diffuser member and the welding tip in such a way as to define an annular shielding gas chamber about the diffuser and welding tip.

Abstract: An electric arc welding gas system utilizing a welding gas comprising a mixture of argon, helium, carbon dioxide and oxygen; electrode currents in the range of 100 to 1100 amperes so as to form electrode metal globules of at least the size of the electrode diameter at the rate of 400 to 1200 globules per second.